Archive for the ‘Advent Calendar’ Category

When I was a child, we always had an Advent wreath as part of our Christmas tradition, and that’s probably a big reason why I love the lighting of Advent candles once Advent begins. My mother would make a wreath out of greens, and we would put in taper Advent candles like these here: http://www.yonderstar.com/adventcandles.html We also had a small book of Advent prayers that we would read when dinner was finished. Typically, whoever finished eating first would read the prayers while the rest of us continued eating. That routine seemed to work well enough.

Now, my family continues the tradition of lighting Advent candles each night of Advent.

Actually, it’s two. We couldn’t decide on just one. They’re both great.

We love this Wooden and Magnetic Advent Calender shown here: http://www.yonderstar.com/calendar.html The little Nativity scene figures behind each door are magnetized and can be stuck on the metal creche scene backdrop. The doors also are magnetized so they stay closed.

And, this other Wooden Advent Calendar tied as our favorite: http://www.yonderstar.com/wooden1.html It’s a more grown-up version of the calendar above. It has that classic Christmas house look. I know a lot of people love the Advent Calendar from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and this one is certainly reminiscent of that. You do need to supply your own treats for behind each door, but picking up some chocolates can be an easy solution.

I am ALWYAS on the look out for new Advent Calendars, especially wooden ones.

I know it’s only August 12th, but I’m already thinking of Advent Calendars. ‘Tis one of the perks of being a Christmas-year-round kind of person. I always had an Advent Calendar as a child and loved the tradtion. Openeing one door each day was one of my favorite parts of the Christmas tradition in our household. That, and playing with Vertibird. (Our family didn’t set up a train, we set up Vertibird each Christmas. )

As an adult, I really like this Advent Calendar by Fontanini: Fontanini Advent calendar. I like the simple and elegant design and the pieces, though printed on heavy paper board, are really quite lovely. I also hear there is a Jim Shore Advent calendar this year so I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for that one!